Published Date: Dec 6, 2012
SDPI PRESS RELEASE (December 6,2012)
Paying rich tribute to renowned human rights activist the late Sheikh Asad Rahman, participants of a memorial reference said that he was a true humanist, who dedicated his whole life struggling for the rights of Baloch people and became the voice of oppressed in Pakistan.
They were sharing memories at a memorial reference organized at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Thursday. Aimal khan moderated the proceedings and maintained that Asad Rahman’s sudden sad demise is great loss not only for his family but also for the depressed people for whom he struggled throughout his life.
Speaking the occasion, Asad Rahman’s wife Tanveer Asad and son Mehmood Asad said that sole cause in Asad’s life was to struggle for the rights of oppressed which he achieved through his continues struggle till death. They remembered him as loving and caring person who regardless of his busy schedule, always used to takeout timefor the family.
Paying tribute, the renowned social activist Tahira Abdullah called him the ‘symbol of continuous struggle’ who despite being the son of a Chief Justice went to the far flung area’s in Balochistan and fought for civil justice, equality and legitimate rights of oppressed people.
Poet and Social activist Harris Khalique said that Asad willfully choose to side with truth against all odds till his death adding that unfortunately, the society now is unable to produce people of such character which is a great loss for the country.
Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director of Sungi shared Asad’s commitment and passions for work and his cause that despite being seriously ill due to heart attack, he used to advise him in official work. He suggested carrying forward his mission as best way of presenting tribute to him.
Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI talked of various occasion where Asad helped him especially in research work on Balochistan, where Asad not provided the background information but also helped in clear understanding of the issues at ground. Dr. Abid reaffirmed his resolve to fulfill Asad’s dream of civil liberties and a democratic society. He also shared condolence message of Dr Nadeem ul Ha, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, who was unable to attend the reference due to his international travel.